There has been an enormous proliferation of hi–vis florescent clothing among the civilian population in London over the last couple of years: motorcyclists, cyclists, joggers, workmen. I had thought that the clothing manufacturers must have discovered a cheaper way of making the fabric and were marketing it, but now wonder whether or not it is a plot sponsored by the government in lieu of employing more police officers? I am sure that the fact that until you get up close you are never quite sure whether or not a particular brightly clad individual is a cop must have an impact on behaviour.

Labels: london

Dublin Hotel

In November 2003, I stayed in a 5 star hotel in Dublin, and was surprised by the unhelpful response of the staff to my request for another pillow, when they told me “we haven’t got any, the hotel is full”. All has finally become clear.

Labels: travel

Olympic torch

Whoever choreographed today’s procession of the torch in honour of the Beijing 2008 Olympics (which went past the end of my street) is a genius. I thought that running the torch across London in front of jeering crowds, in a blizzard, at the centre of a phalanx of implacable security who occasionally peeled off to beat someone to the ground and arrest them or to tear down a flag or placard captured the appropriate spirit brilliantly.

Update 7/4/08: London mayoral candidate Brian Paddick (LibDem) has stated today that “these events reflect badly on London”. He is absolutely right. Our protesters had over 31 miles of procession to seize or extinguish that torch but frankly the most likely candidate for putting it out was the weather. Despite having only 18 miles in which to work and being up against terrifying CRS riot police, the French managed to get the thing doused four times before the authorities gave up and cancelled the whole Olympic flame relay and ceremony over there. If protesting were an Olympic event, the French would kick our ass.

Labels: london, sport

Le Gavroche

Went to Le Gavroche for dinner with the wife last night. Liked it. Fancied most things on the menu and particularly liked what I ended up ordering (lobster salad followed by Scotch beef — wife had octopus and soft–shell crab followed by turbot — “Aux Perdrix” 2004 Nuit Saint Georges followed by a Delamain Cognac to drink).

Labels: diary, eating, london